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SRES 18

A resolution providing for sufficient time for legislation to be read.

119th Congress Introduced by Rand Paul

SRES 18 ensures Senators have time to read legislation, requiring one session day per 20 pages, promoting informed voting and enhancing public trust in government.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · SRES 18

Summary of SRES 18: A Resolution Providing for Sufficient Time for Legislation to be Read

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: SRES 18
  • Title: A resolution providing for sufficient time for legislation to be read.
  • Status: Introduced in Senate
  • Introduced Date: January 09, 2025
  • Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SRES 18 is to ensure that members of the Senate have adequate time to read and understand proposed legislation before it is considered for debate or vote. This resolution aims to promote transparency and informed decision-making within the legislative process.

Key Provisions

The resolution establishes specific rules regarding the timing of legislative consideration based on the length of the documents:

  1. Reading Time Requirement:

    • No bill, resolution, message, conference report, amendment, treaty, or other legislative matter can be considered until a minimum of one session day has passed for every 20 pages of the document.
    • An additional session day is required for any remaining pages that are less than 20.

  2. Point of Order:

    • Any Senator may raise a point of order if they believe that a measure is being considered prematurely, i.e., before the required reading time has elapsed.
    • A motion to table this point of order is not permitted.

  3. Waiving the Requirement:

    • The reading time requirement can only be waived or suspended by a three-fifths affirmative vote of the Senate.
    • Any motions to waive the reading time will be debatable for a maximum of three hours, split equally between the Senator raising the point of order and the Senator moving to waive it.
    • Such motions are not amendable.

  4. Constitutional Basis:

    • The resolution is adopted under the authority granted to each House of Congress to determine its own rules of proceedings, as outlined in Article I, Section 5, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution.

Impact

  • Senators: This resolution directly affects all Senators by mandating a structured timeline for the consideration of legislation, potentially leading to more informed voting.
  • Legislative Process: The resolution aims to slow down the legislative process to ensure thorough examination of bills, which may impact the speed at which legislation is passed.
  • Public Transparency: By allowing more time for reading, the resolution seeks to enhance transparency in government operations, potentially leading to greater public trust.

Legislative Actions

  • 2025-01-09: The resolution was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration for further consideration.

This summary provides a clear understanding of SRES 18, its intent, provisions, and potential implications for the legislative process in the Senate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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